Secure time-to-live

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation of co-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 14/314,018, entitled “Secure Time-to-Live” filed on Jun. 24, 2014, which claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/839,307, entitled “SECURE TIME TO LIVE” filed Jun. 25, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/846,568, entitled “DIGITAL SECURITY BUBBLE” filed Jul. 15, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/943,826 entitled ENHANCED PERFECT FORWARD SECRECY FOR MULTI-SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION filed Feb. 24, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Users of electronic devices increasingly desire to communicate privately and securely with one another. Unfortunately, existing approaches to securing communications can be difficult and/or cumbersome to use. As one example, some approaches to data security make use of digital certificates or keys, or pre-shared passwords, which can be tedious to manage. Further, existing approaches are often susceptible to interception (e.g., eavesdropping and man-in-the middle attacks), forensic analysis, and impersonation. Improvements to digital communication techniques are therefore desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0003Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

0004<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an embodiment of an environment in which the exchange of secure communications is facilitated by a security platform.

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> illustrates an embodiment of an installation and registration process.

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating a pool of keypairs.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an example of an interface.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example of a message sending process.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example of a digital security bubble.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example of a digital security bubble.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example of a portion of a digital security bubble.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates an example of a portion of a digital security bubble.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an example of a portion of a digital security bubble.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an example of a process for accessing a message included inside a digital security bubble.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an example of a registration process.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates an example of a process for sending a message.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates an example of a process for performing a synchronous key cache update.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates an example of a process for performing an asynchronous key cache update.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a message composition interface.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a message viewing interface.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a message viewing interface.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to allow access to a message.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to allow access to a message.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to allow access to a message.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0025The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage medium; and/or a processor, such as a processor configured to execute instructions stored on and/or provided by a memory coupled to the processor. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, a component such as a processor or a memory described as being configured to perform a task may be implemented as a general component that is temporarily configured to perform the task at a given time or a specific component that is manufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term ‘processor’ refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores configured to process data, such as computer program instructions.

0026A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an embodiment of an environment in which the exchange of secure communications is facilitated by a security platform (e.g., security platform <b>102</b>). In the environment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a “digital security bubble” (DSB), described in more detail below, encapsulates or is otherwise provided around a message. The DSB allows information such as encryption information, hardware binding information, message security controls, and decryption information—for multiple recipients (as applicable)—to securely travel with the message. Further, the DSB provides cross-platform support. For example, techniques described herein can be deployed on a variety of operating systems (e.g., Linux, iOS, and Windows), on a variety of smart phone platforms (e.g., iPhone, Android, Windows, Blackberry, etc.), and on a variety of device types (e.g., mobile smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, etc.). Using techniques described herein, only intended accounts on intended devices are able to decrypt the messages. Thus, for example, the security platform is unable to decrypt messages. As will be described in more detail below, using the techniques described herein, message participants can maintain a forward secret secure messaging channel, whether communicating synchronously (e.g., where all participants are online or otherwise able to communicate with platform <b>102</b>) and asynchronously (e.g., where at least one participant is offline or otherwise not in communication with platform <b>102</b>).

0028Users of client devices, such as client devices <b>106</b>-<b>114</b> communicate securely with one another using techniques described herein. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, client devices include personal computers (<b>110</b>), laptop computers (<b>108</b>), tablets (<b>106</b>), and mobile telephony devices (<b>112</b>, <b>114</b>). Some client devices, e.g., tablet device <b>106</b>, make use of techniques described herein via a messaging application (also referred to as an “app”) obtained from a software distribution server <b>150</b>. Examples of software distribution servers (which can comprise a single server or multiple servers working in cooperation) include app stores (e.g., provided by Apple, Google, Blackberry, Microsoft, Amazon, and/or other entities) and other webservers offering app (and/or other software) downloads. Client devices can also make use of a web interface (e.g., provided by platform <b>102</b>) instead of or in addition to a dedicated messaging application installed on the device. Other types of devices not depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> can also be used in conjunction with the techniques described herein, such as game consoles, camera/video recorders, video players (e.g., incorporating DVD, Blu-ray, Red Laser, Optical, and/or streaming technologies) and other network-connected appliances, as applicable.

0029Communications are exchanged via one or more networks (depicted collectively in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as network cloud <b>104</b>). Such networks can include wired, wireless, cellular, and satellite networks. And, such networks can be closed/private networks, as well open networks (e.g., the Internet). Further, as used herein, “communications” and “messages” can take a variety of forms, including: text messages, documents, audiovisual files, SMSes, and voice and video calls. Further, in addition to personal, business, or other types of conversations, the content can pertain to electronic transactions such as credit card security, password protection, directories, and storage drive protection, video on demand security, online gaming, gambling, electronic distribution of music, videos, documents, online learning systems, databases, cloud storage and cloud environments, bank transactions, voting processes, military communications, security of medical records, communication between medically implanted devices and doctors, etc. As will be described in more detail below, the exchange of communications is facilitated by security platform <b>102</b> (or embodiments thereof, as applicable).

0030As will be described in more detail below, a variety of entities can operate embodiments of platform <b>102</b>. Further, multiple embodiments of platform <b>102</b> can exist simultaneously in an environment (with those multiple embodiments operated by a single entity, or different entities) with the techniques described herein adapted as applicable. For example, platform <b>102</b> can be operated by a non-profit organization (or an individual, a company, or any other appropriate type of entity or set of entities) for use by the general public (e.g., with arbitrary members of the public able to use platform <b>102</b> to exchange communications). As another example, an enterprise organization can operate an embodiment of platform <b>102</b> exclusively for use by the employees of the enterprise (and, as applicable, other individuals, such as vendors). As yet another example, a company (or other entity or entities) can operate one or multiple instances of platform <b>102</b> on behalf of multiple organizations, such as small business or companies, schools, charitable organizations, etc.

0031A. Installation/Initialization/Registration

0032Suppose a user of client device <b>106</b> (hereinafter referred to as “Alice”) would like to send a secure message to her friend, Bob (a user of client device <b>114</b>) in accordance with techniques described herein. In some embodiments, in order to send a message Bob, Alice first obtains a copy of a messaging application suitable for her device. For example, if Alice's tablet device runs iOS, she could obtain an “app” for her tablet from the Apple App Store (an example of software distribution server <b>106</b>). Bob similarly obtains an appropriate application suitable for his client device <b>114</b> (e.g., an Android-based smartphone) from an appropriate location (e.g., the Google Play store or Amazon Appstore). In some embodiments, client devices make use of a web-based application (e.g., made available by platform <b>102</b> through interface <b>118</b>), instead of, or in addition to, a dedicated installed application.

0033In embodiments where platform <b>102</b> is operated on behalf of specific groups of individuals (e.g., on behalf of employees of a company, students/teachers at a school, company stockholders, members of a club, premium customers, etc.), the app can be obtained from a publicly accessible software distribution server as Alice and Bob do above (e.g., from the Google Play store), can be obtained from a privately operated software distribution server (e.g., made available only to company-issued devices or devices otherwise authorized to communicate with the private server), can be provisioned by support personnel associated with the group (e.g., by being directly installed by the support personnel or included in a device image), etc., as applicable. For example, suppose an embodiment of platform <b>102</b> is operated by ACME University on behalf of its students and faculty/staff. As mentioned above, the university can itself operate an embodiment of platform <b>102</b>, or can contract with a third party to make available the embodiment of platform <b>102</b> for university users. Freshmen (and other new students/employees, as applicable) at ACME University can be provided with instructions for downloading and installing an ACME University-specific embodiment of the secure messaging application from a university server in conjunction with their new student orientation. As another example, new employees of Beta Corporation can be issued company phones (and/or other devices such as laptops) with an embodiment of the secure messaging application pre-installed and pre-configured by support personnel for Beta Corporation (e.g., where Beta Corporation operates an embodiment of platform <b>102</b> on behalf of its employees and business partners). As yet another example, business partners of Beta Corporation (e.g., vendors) can be provided with instructions for provisioning a Beta Corporation-specific embodiment of the secure messaging application via email, or via a website. And, the Beta Corporation-specific embodiment of the secure messaging application can be made available via email, a website, or any other appropriate mechanism.

0034Returning to the example of Alice (a member of the public, using an embodiment of platform <b>102</b> made available to the public), once Alice's tablet <b>106</b> has obtained a copy of the secure messaging app, the app is installed, and Alice is able to register for an account. An instance of a messaging app usable in conjunction with the techniques described herein is depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as app <b>116</b> (installed on device <b>106</b>). Examples of events that can occur during an installation/initialization/registration process (<b>200</b>) are illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> and will now be described. While the events will be described in one order, events can also be performed in other orders and/or in parallel (instead of in sequence) in other embodiments. Further, various events can be omitted, in some embodiments, as applicable. For example, where an embodiment of platform <b>102</b> is made available by an enterprise for use by its employees (or a school on behalf of its student/staff/faculty, etc.), account creation and initialization may at least partially be performed by support personnel (and/or may be performed at least partially in an automated manner based on a new employee/member workflow), instead of being performed by an end user.

0035In some embodiments, process <b>200</b> is performed on a client device, such as Alice's client device <b>106</b>. The process begins at <b>202</b> when a pool of public/private keypairs for the application is generated, on client device <b>106</b> (e.g., using RSA, ECDH, or any other appropriate asymmetric encryption algorithms). As one example, the keypairs can be generated using Eliptic Curve Algorithm with Diffie Helman Key Exchange (ECDH). Other cryptographic standards can also be used, such as RSA. In some embodiments, the keypairs are randomly seeded. As will be described in more detail below, each message Alice sends (whether to Bob or anyone else) can be encrypted with a unique, random key that is used only once then destroyed forensically by Alice (the sender's) device. The forensic destruction ensures that the deleted keys cannot be recovered from Alice's device, even via digital forensics methods.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating a plurality of public/private keypairs. In some embodiments, process <b>250</b> is performed on a client device (such as client device <b>106</b>) as portion <b>202</b> of process <b>200</b>. Process <b>250</b> begins at <b>252</b> when the pool size associated with the client device is initialized. As one example, a default pool size of fifty keys is received as a parameter from platform <b>102</b> by application <b>116</b>. The pool size can also be encoded into application <b>116</b> or otherwise provided to device <b>106</b> (e.g., configured via an enterprise administrator, where platform <b>102</b> is operated on behalf of an enterprise) without requiring the server to transmit the initial pool size. As will be explained in more detail below, the pool size associated with a device can be dynamically adjusted, for example, such that a device (e.g., of a heavy user that is frequently offline) that initially has a pool size of 50 keys can have the size adjusted upward to a pool size of 200 keys (or more).

0037At <b>254</b>, a pool of keys (i.e., a number of keypairs equal to the size initialized at <b>252</b>) is generated on client device <b>106</b>. As mentioned above, the keypairs can be generated using Eliptic Curve Algorithm with Diffie Helman Key Exchange (ECDH). Other cryptographic standards can also be used, such as RSA.

0038At <b>256</b>, a reference value is assigned for each of the respective keypairs. As one example, suppose fifty keypairs are generated at portion <b>254</b> of process <b>250</b>. At <b>256</b>, fifty respective reference values are assigned to each of the respective keypairs. The reference values will be used to distinguish the various keys in the pool of keys from one another and can be assigned to the keypairs in a variety of ways. As one example, a six digit random number can be generated by device <b>106</b> as the first reference value for the first keypair, and each subsequent reference value can be selected as an increment of the first reference value. As another example, every reference value can be randomly selected. Other schemes for selecting/assigning reference values can be employed at <b>256</b> as applicable.

0039At <b>258</b>, the private keys and reference values are stored (e.g., in a secure database residing on device <b>106</b>). As will be described in more detail below, the corresponding public keys will be transmitted to platform <b>102</b> (along with the associated reference values) and platform <b>102</b> will designate one of the public keys in the pool as a reserve key.

0040Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, at <b>204</b>, a “random server seed” is generated, and at <b>206</b>, a “random local seed” is generated. The seeds are used in conjunction with cryptographic key generation, and in some embodiments, the seeds are determined based on captured hardware information (described in more detail below).

0041At <b>208</b>, a device identifier (“deviceID”) is created from captured hardware information. Examples of captured hardware information include: hard drive identifiers, motherboard identifiers, CPU identifiers, and MAC addresses for wireless, LAN, Bluetooth, and optical cards. Combinations of information pertaining to device characteristics, such as RAM, CACHE, controller cards, etc., can also be used to uniquely identify the device. Some, or all, of the captured hardware information is run through a cryptographic hash algorithm such as SHA-256, to create a unique deviceID for the device. The captured hardware information can also be used for other purposes, such as to seed cryptographic functions.

0042At <b>210</b>, Alice is asked, via an interface provided by app <b>116</b>, to supply a desired username. Alice enters “Alice” into the interface. A determination is made as to whether the username is available. As one example, app <b>116</b> can supply a cryptographic hash of “Alice” to platform <b>102</b> for checking. If platform <b>102</b> does not already have a record for that hash, the username “Alice” is available for Alice to use. If platform <b>102</b> already has a record of that hash, Alice is instructed by the interface to pick an alternate username. Once Alice has selected an available username, she is asked to supply a password. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, portions of process <b>200</b> may be omitted (or performed by other entities, as applicable). For example, where a university student at ACME University is getting set up to use an ACME University-specific embodiment of platform <b>102</b>, the user's name may be preselected or otherwise issued by the University, rather than being selected by the user.

0043At <b>212</b>, an application identifier (“appID”) is created. The appID is a unique identifier for the particular installation of the messaging app. If Alice installs the messaging app on multiple devices, each of her devices will have its own unique appID. (And, each of her devices will also have its own unique deviceID.) In some embodiments, the appID is created by hashing Alice's selected password and other information such as device information.

0044Finally, at <b>214</b> Alice's public keys (and reference values), deviceID, and appID are sent to platform <b>102</b> in a secure manner. As one example, in some embodiments app <b>116</b> is configured to communicate with platform <b>102</b> via TLS.

0045At the conclusion of process <b>200</b>, Alice is ready to send and receive secure communications.

0046As mentioned above, alternate versions of processes <b>200</b> and/or <b>250</b> can be used in accordance with the techniques described herein. As one example, username/password selection (<b>210</b>) can be performed prior to other portions of process <b>200</b> (and can be performed by an entity other than the end user of the messaging application, e.g., where an employer determines a username for an employee). As another example, the random server seed generation (<b>204</b>) and random local seed generation (<b>206</b>) can be performed prior to the keypair generation (<b>202</b>), e.g., with the local seed being used in conjunction with the generating of the keypairs. As yet another example, portions of processes <b>200</b> and/or <b>250</b> can be combined and/or omitted as applicable. For example, instead of generating a pool of fifty key pairs (<b>254</b>), assigning reference values to the pool as a batch operation (<b>256</b>) and storing the keys/values as a batch operation (<b>258</b>), fifty iterations of a process that generates a key pair, assigns a reference value, and stores the information can be performed.

0047B. Security Platform

0048As mentioned above, security platform <b>102</b> is configured to facilitate the exchange of communications (e.g., among any/all of client devices <b>106</b>-<b>114</b>). Also as mentioned above, platform <b>102</b> can be operated by a variety of entities on behalf of a variety of end users. For example, one embodiment of platform <b>102</b> can be made available to members of the public, whether as a public service, or for a fee. As another example, another embodiment of platform <b>102</b> can be made available by a business, by a school, by a charitable organization, etc., and its use limited to its employees/students/members, etc., as applicable. Additional detail regarding various aspects of embodiments of platform <b>102</b> will now be provided.

0049Security platform <b>102</b> includes one or more interface(s) <b>118</b> for communicating with client devices, such as client devices <b>106</b>-<b>114</b>. As one example, platform <b>102</b> provides an application programming interface (API) configured to communicate with apps installed on client devices, such as app <b>116</b> and app <b>138</b>. Platform <b>102</b> can also provide other types of interfaces, such as a web interface, or stand alone software programs for desktops and laptops, running on various Operating Systems (OSes). The web interface can allow users of client devices such as client devices <b>108</b> and <b>110</b> to exchange messages securely (whether with one another or other users), without the need for a separately installed messaging application. The stand alone software program allows users to exchange secure messages via software that is downloaded by each user. As will be discussed in more detail below (e.g., in Section G), in various embodiments, platform <b>102</b> makes available (e.g., via one or more interface(s) <b>118</b>) a master clock time. The master clock time can be used, in various embodiments, to enforce secure time-to-live (TTL) values of messages. The TTL values can be used to enforce (e.g., on behalf of a message sender) time constraints on message access (e.g., by a recipient).

0050Security platform <b>102</b> also includes a database <b>120</b>. Included in database <b>120</b> is a record for each user of platform <b>102</b>. Each record has associated with it information such as the user's public key pool and associated reference values, deviceID(s), appID(s), and messages. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, database <b>120</b> is relational and stores information in a variety of tables, including a table of hashed usernames (<b>124</b>), a table of public keys and reference values (<b>126</b>), a table of deviceIDs (<b>128</b>), a table of appIDs (<b>130</b>), and a table of messages (<b>132</b>). Other techniques can also be used to store the information used by platform <b>102</b>. For example, messages can be stored in a separate storage <b>136</b> instead of being stored within database <b>120</b>.

0051Finally, security platform <b>102</b> includes a processing engine <b>134</b> which performs a variety of tasks, including interacting with database <b>120</b> on behalf of interface(s) <b>118</b>. As will be described in more detail below, one task performed by platform <b>102</b> (e.g., by processing engine <b>134</b>) is to designate one of the keys in the pool of public keys (e.g., received from Alice at the conclusion of portion <b>214</b> of process <b>200</b>) as a “reserve” key. Another task performed by platform <b>102</b> (e.g., processing engine <b>134</b>) is to facilitate the addition of new keys to a user's key pool as the keys are used. Yet another task performed by platform <b>102</b> (e.g., processing engine <b>134</b>) is to dynamically adjust the size of a user's key pool as needed.

0052The embodiment of platform <b>102</b> depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> comprises standard commercially available server hardware (e.g., having a multi-core processor(s), 8G+ of RAM, gigabit network interface adaptor(s), and hard drive(s)) running a typical server-class operating system (e.g., Linux). In various embodiments, platform <b>102</b> is implemented across a scalable infrastructure comprising multiple such servers, solid state drives, and/or other applicable high-performance hardware.

0053Whenever platform <b>102</b> is described as performing a task, either a single component or a subset of components or all components of platform <b>102</b> may cooperate to perform the task. Similarly, whenever a component of platform <b>102</b> is described as performing a task, a subcomponent may perform the task and/or the component may perform the task in conjunction with other components.

0054C. Sending DSB Secured Messages

0055Returning back to Alice's desire to send a message to Bob: at the conclusion of Section A above, Alice has successfully registered her username (“Alice”) with security platform <b>102</b>. And, Bob is also a user of platform <b>102</b>. Suppose Alice would like to send a message to Bob. She starts app <b>116</b> and is presented with an interface that includes a “compose” option. Alice selects the compose option and is presented with a message composition interface.

0056An example message composition interface is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> depicts interface <b>300</b> as rendered on an example tablet device <b>106</b>, connected to the Internet via an appropriate connection, such as: 3G, 4G or higher cellular connection, WiFi, satellite, wireless or wired LANs, Bluetooth, etc. Tablet device <b>106</b> includes a touchscreen. An on-screen keyboard is provided for Alice in region <b>306</b>. Alice can enter the usernames of one or more recipients in region <b>302</b>. She can enter message text in region <b>304</b>. Alice can optionally add attachments by interacting with buttons shown in region <b>308</b>. Examples of attachments include, but are not limited to: documents, pictures, and audiovisual clips. By selecting button <b>310</b>, Alice can specify various message control options, such as: the lifetime/expiration of the message (the enforcement of which is described in more detail below in Section G); on which device(s) it can be unencrypted/read; and sharing, saving, forwarding, recalling, and deleting options.

0057If Alice is satisfied with her message, she can send it to Bob by clicking the send button (<b>314</b>). If she wishes to cancel out of composing the message, she can click the cancel button (<b>312</b>). Suppose Alice clicks send button (<b>314</b>) after composing the message shown in interface <b>300</b>. An example of the events that occur, in some embodiments, in conjunction with Alice sending a message is illustrated as process <b>400</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and will now be described.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example of a process for sending a DSB-secured message. In some embodiments, process <b>400</b> is performed on a client device, such as Alice's client device <b>106</b>. The process begins at <b>402</b> when a particular public key (from the user's pool of public keys) and associated reference value, deviceID, and appID of a recipient are obtained from platform <b>102</b>. As will be explained in more detail below, the recipient's particular public key, deviceID and appID are used in the encryption of the symmetric key used to encrypt data, and in the DSB encapsulation of the message for the hardware/appID binding of the message. As one example, app <b>116</b> can request the information from platform <b>102</b> via an API (e.g., interface <b>118</b>). In some embodiments, the information is retrieved when Alice enters the recipient's name into region <b>302</b>. In other embodiments, the information is retrieved when Alice clicks send button <b>314</b>, or at any other appropriate time (e.g., while she is composing a message). In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, Alice is only sending a message to Bob. If she also desires to send the message to other recipients, she can enter their names in region <b>302</b> as well, and one of their respective public keys (again selected from their respective pools of public keys) and associated reference values, deviceIDs, and appIDs will also be retrieved at <b>402</b>.

0059At <b>404</b>, a random symmetric encryption key is generated (e.g., by app <b>116</b> on device <b>106</b>). As one example, the symmetric key is an AES <b>256</b> bit key. At <b>406</b>, the symmetric encryption key is used to encrypt the message body, any attachments, and any message control options. In some embodiments, Alice's own information (e.g., public key(s) and associated reference value(s), deviceID(s), and appID(s) are included in the DSB as well. Finally, at <b>408</b>, the symmetric key is encrypted with the particular public key of each recipient (obtained from the pool of public keys). A DSB encapsulation is then generated, and contains the aforementioned components and reference values of the public keys used to encrypt the symmetric key. Examples of the DSB format are provided in Section D below.

0060In some cases, a user may own multiple devices. For example, Bob may be the owner of device <b>114</b> and <b>112</b>, both of which are configured with secure messaging apps. Each of Bob's installations will have its own deviceID and appID. When the DSB is created, each of Bob's devices will be considered a separate device under the same username account.

0061The generated DSB is securely transmitted to platform <b>102</b> (e.g., by being encrypted with a symmetric key shared by the app and platform <b>102</b>, and also encapsulated by TLS as an additional security layer). Irrespective of how many recipients Alice designates for her message (and, e.g., how many recipients there are or how many devices Bob has), only one DSB will be created and transmitted to platform <b>102</b>. Upon receipt of the DSB, processing engine <b>134</b> opens the DSB and determines the recipients of the message. Specifically, the processing engine <b>134</b> performs a match against the deviceIDs (in a cryptographic hash and camouflaged representation) included in the DSB and the deviceIDs stored in database <b>120</b> as well as the username (in a cryptographic hash and camouflaged representation) in the DSB and the ones stored in the database <b>120</b>. A cryptographic hash and camouflaged representation means that the hash algorithm (i.e. SHA256) that is used for the deviceID, username, and appID values, is further camouflaged, in some embodiments, by taking multiple hashes of the result values (i.e. multiple rounds of SHA256 of the previous SHA256 value—i.e. SHA(SHA(SHA(SHA . . . ))). Processing engine <b>134</b> also creates an entry for the received DSB in message table <b>132</b> and notifies the recipient(s) that a new message is available. In various embodiments, other actions are also performed by platform <b>102</b> with respect to the DSB. As one example, platform <b>102</b> can be configured to remove the DSB as soon as the recipient successfully downloads it. As another example, platform <b>102</b> can enforce an expiration time (e.g., seven days) by which, if the DSB has not been accessed by the recipient, the DSB is deleted. Where multiple recipients are included in a DSB, platform <b>102</b> can be configured to keep track of which recipients have downloaded a copy of the DSB, and remove it once all recipients have successfully downloaded it (or an expiration event has occurred).

0062D. DSB Examples

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example of a digital security bubble (DSB). DSB <b>500</b> is an example of output that can be generated by app <b>116</b> as a result of executing process <b>400</b>. In the example shown, DSB <b>500</b> includes a message and optional attachments (<b>502</b>), and one or more message controls (<b>504</b>) encrypted with a key Ek_1,1(encrypted portion <b>506</b>). In some embodiments, key Ek_1,1is generated by app <b>116</b> at portion <b>404</b> of process <b>400</b>. Additional detail regarding portion <b>506</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, where SSK in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is Ek_1,1of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and represents the sender's symmetric shared key used to encrypt the message and attachments.

0064DSB <b>500</b> also includes, for each message recipient 1−n, the key Ek_1,1encrypted by each of the recipient's respective particular public keys (as shown in region <b>508</b>). Further, DSB <b>500</b> includes a combination of each recipient's respective deviceID, hashed username, appID, and the reference value associated with the particular public key (collectively denoted HWk_1−n) in region <b>510</b>. These constituent parts are also referred to herein as “parameters.” Additional detail regarding the parameters is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>—namely, a plurality of parameters (such as hashed username, deviceID, and appID) are encrypted using SK<b>2</b>, which is a symmetric key generated by the client and shared with platform <b>102</b>.

0065In some embodiments (e.g., as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>), a spreading function is used to spread the encrypted symmetric keys inside the DSB (as shown in region <b>512</b>), by spreading the bits of the encrypted key in a spreading function generated pattern, with the default function being a sequential block or data. The spreading function also contains the cryptographic hashed representation of the recipient usernames that are used by the server to identify the recipients of the message and to set the message waiting flag for each of them. Finally, the DSB is itself encrypted using key Ek_1,2(encrypted portion <b>514</b>), which is a symmetric key shared between app <b>116</b> and platform <b>102</b>. Additional detail regarding portions <b>514</b> and <b>508</b> are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, where SK<b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is Ek_1,2in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and represents the symmetric encryption key shared by the app and platform <b>102</b>, and where User₁Pubkey in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is Ek_2,1in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and represents the recipient's particular public key (e.g., selected from the pool of public keys generated at <b>202</b>).

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-9</figref> illustrate additional examples of the construction of an embodiment of a DSB. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example of a DSB <b>600</b>. DSB <b>600</b> encapsulates three subcomponents—part <b>700</b> (the encrypted message, attachments, and message controls), part <b>800</b> (the symmetric key encrypted with each recipient's particular public key selected from the recipients' respective key pools), and part <b>900</b> (encrypted message parameters). As with DSB <b>500</b>, a symmetric key (shared by app <b>116</b> and platform <b>102</b>) is used to secure the DSB. In addition, the transmission of the DSB to the server is encapsulated with TLS for an additional security layer. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates part <b>700</b> of DSB <b>600</b>. In particular, part <b>700</b> includes the message controls (<b>702</b>), message (<b>704</b>), and attachments (<b>706</b>). Part <b>700</b> is encrypted using a shared symmetric key SSK (e.g., Ek_1,1). <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates part <b>800</b> of DSB <b>600</b>. In particular, part <b>800</b> includes the shared symmetric key, encrypted to each of the recipients' respective particular public keys (selected from the recipients' respective key pools). Further, the collection of encrypted keys (<b>802</b>-<b>806</b>) is encrypted using symmetric key SK<b>1</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates part <b>900</b> of DSB <b>600</b>. In particular, part <b>900</b> includes encrypted message parameters. Part <b>900</b> is encrypted using symmetric key SK<b>2</b>.

0067E. Receiving DSB Secured Messages

0068As mentioned above, Bob is also a user of platform <b>102</b>. When Bob loads his copy of the messaging app on his smartphone (i.e., app <b>138</b> on device <b>114</b>), the app communicates with platform <b>102</b> (e.g., via interface <b>118</b>) to determine whether Bob has any new messages. As will be described in more detail below, platform <b>102</b> will also determine how many additional keypairs Bob's device should generate to replenish his pool, and facilitate the generation of those keypairs. Since Alice has sent a message to Bob since he last used app <b>138</b>, a flag is set in database <b>120</b>, indicating to app <b>138</b> that one or messages are available for download.

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an example of a process for accessing a message included inside a digital security bubble. In some embodiments, process <b>1000</b> is performed on a client device, such as Bob's client device <b>114</b>. The process begins at <b>1002</b> when a DSB is received. As one example, a DSB is received at <b>1002</b> when app <b>138</b> contacts platform <b>102</b>, determines a flag associated with Bob's account has been set (e.g., indicating he has one or more new messages), and downloads the DSB from platform <b>102</b>. In such circumstances, upon receipt of the DSB, client <b>114</b> is configured to decrypt the DSB using the particular private key of Bob that corresponds to the public key that was selected from his pool at message creation time (and is identifiable by the reference value included in the DSB).

0070At <b>1004</b> (i.e., assuming the decryption was successful), hardware binding parameters are checked. As one example, a determination is made as to whether device information (i.e., collected from device <b>114</b>) can be used to construct an identical hash to the one included in the received DSB. If the hardware binding parameters fail the check (i.e., an attempt is being made to access Alice's message using Bob's keys on a device that is not Bob's), contents of the DSB will be inaccessible, preventing the decryption of Alice's message. If the hardware binding parameter check is successful, the device is authorized to decrypt the symmetric key (i.e., using Bob's private key generated at <b>202</b>) which can in turn be used to decrypt Alice's message (<b>1006</b>). As will be described in more detail below (e.g., in Section G), additional controls can be applied (e.g., by Bob's app <b>138</b>) to Bob's ability to access Alice's message.

0071F. Additional Example Processes

0072The following are examples of processes that can be performed by various entities present in environment <b>100</b>, such as platform <b>102</b> and devices <b>106</b> and <b>114</b> in various embodiments (whether as alternate versions of or additional processes to those described above). The processes can also be performed outside of environment <b>100</b>, e.g., by other types of platforms and/or devices.

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an example of a registration process. In some embodiments, process <b>1100</b> is performed by device <b>106</b>. Process <b>1100</b> can also be performed by other devices, including devices in environments other than those shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Process <b>1100</b> begins at <b>1102</b> when an initialization value is received. As one example, an initialization value of 50 (corresponding to a target minimum server key cache size of fifty public keys to be stored on platform <b>102</b>) is received at <b>1102</b>. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a request from a device, such as device <b>106</b>, platform <b>102</b> sets a server count (C)=0. The server count represents the number of public keys currently stored on platform <b>102</b> associated with the device. As device <b>106</b> is registering, no keys are present yet on platform <b>102</b>.

0074At <b>1104</b>, a number of keypairs is generated. In this example, a number of asymmetric keypairs equal to the initialization value received at <b>1102</b> (e.g., fifty) is generated. In some embodiments, the keypairs are randomly seeded.

0075At <b>1106</b>, reference values (e.g., usable to uniquely identify each of the key pairs and described in more detail above) are assigned for each of the keypairs generated at <b>1104</b>.

0076At <b>1108</b>, the private key portion of the key pairs (i.e., the fifty private keys) and associated reference values are securely stored locally (e.g., on device <b>106</b>). As one example, the private keys are inserted into a database resident on device <b>106</b> and secured using an AES key derived from the password selected by Alice at portion <b>210</b> in process <b>200</b>.

0077Finally, at <b>1110</b>, the public key portion of the key pairs (i.e., the fifty public keys) and associated reference values are securely transmitted to platform <b>102</b>. As mentioned above, platform <b>102</b> will designate one of the fifty keys as a reserve key (e.g., by setting a flag associated with that particular key).

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates an example of a process for sending a message. In some embodiments, process <b>1200</b> is performed by device <b>114</b> (e.g., when Bob wants to send a message to Alice). Process <b>1200</b> begins at <b>1202</b> when device <b>114</b> requests a public key associated with Alice from platform <b>102</b>. If multiple public keys for Alice are present in her pool of keys (i.e., the pool of public keys stored on platform <b>102</b> for Alice), the platform will preferentially select (whether randomly, sequentially, or by any other appropriate selection technique) one of the non-reserve keys, and delete the selected key in an atomic operation in conjunction with sending the selected key to device <b>114</b>. As will be described in more detail below, if only one public key is present for Alice (i.e., only the reserve key remains in the pool), platform <b>102</b> will send the reserve key to device <b>114</b>, but will not delete the reserve key from platform <b>102</b> (until such time as the reserve key is replaced with a new key designated as the reserve).

0079At <b>1204</b>, a public key is received (e.g., by device <b>114</b> from platform <b>102</b>) along with the reference value associated with the key.

0080At <b>1206</b>, the received public key is used to encrypt information, such as a message, or other information (e.g., a symmetric key which in turn is used to encrypt the message). The key reference value associated with the received public key is included in the message metadata or otherwise incorporated into the message payload.

0081Finally, at <b>1208</b>, device <b>114</b> sends the message (e.g., to platform <b>102</b> for retrieval by Alice). Note that using techniques described, Alice's device(s) need not be online (e.g., connected to platform <b>102</b>) at the time Bob composes and/or sends messages to her.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates an example of a process for performing a synchronous key cache update. In some embodiments, process <b>1300</b> is performed by device <b>106</b> (e.g., when Alice connects to platform <b>102</b> to retrieve messages). The process begins at <b>1302</b> when device <b>106</b> connects to platform <b>102</b> and retrieves one or more messages.

0083For each retrieved message (at <b>1304</b>), read the respective key reference value (e.g., included in the respective message as metadata), retrieve the appropriate private key (i.e., having the key reference value) from local storage on device <b>106</b>, and decrypt the message(s).

0084At <b>1306</b>, device <b>106</b> generates additional keypairs (i.e., to replenish public keys used from the pool on platform <b>102</b> by Bob). The number of keys to be generated can be determined in a variety of ways. As one example, device <b>106</b> can generate a number of new keypairs equal to the number of messages she received at <b>1302</b>. As another example, device <b>106</b> can be instructed (whether by platform <b>102</b> or local instructions) to generate the lesser of: A: (the number of messages downloaded at <b>1302</b>*V), where (V) is a variable impacting the desired expansion rate of the server cache size (e.g. 0.9); or B: the initialization value (e.g., 50 keys, as discussed at <b>1102</b> in process <b>1100</b>).

0085At <b>1308</b> (similar to <b>1106</b>), reference values (e.g., usable to uniquely identify each of the key pairs and described in more detail above) are assigned for each of the keypairs generated at <b>1308</b>.

0086At <b>1310</b> (similar to <b>1108</b>), the private key portion of the key pairs (i.e., the new private keys) and associated reference values are securely stored locally (e.g., on device <b>106</b>). As one example, the private keys are inserted into a database resident on device <b>106</b> and secured using the password selected by Alice at <b>210</b> in process <b>200</b>.

0087Finally, at <b>1312</b> (similar to <b>1110</b>), the public key portion of the key pairs (i.e., the new public keys) and associated reference values are securely transmitted to platform <b>102</b>. In this example, suppose Alice's reserve key was not depleted. The key originally designated as her reserve key remains present on platform <b>102</b> and remains designated as the reserve key. Now suppose Alice's reserve key was depleted (e.g., because Bob and/or other users of platform <b>102</b> sent Alice more than fifty messages prior to her connecting to platform <b>102</b>). The first <b>49</b> messages addressed to Alice would make use of those public keys in her pool not designated as the reserve key. Any additional messages sent to Alice before she can replenish her pool will all make use of her reserve public key (i.e., messages <b>50</b>, <b>51</b>, and <b>52</b>—whether from Bob or others, will all make use of the same public key for Alice—her reserve key). As will be explained below, when Alice's pool has been deleted (i.e., her reserve key is being used), a flag will be set on platform <b>102</b> indicating that, in conjunction with her next execution of process <b>1300</b> (or portions thereof, as applicable), a new key should be designated as the reserve key, and the existing reserve key be destroyed. Additional actions can also be taken (e.g., by platform <b>102</b>) in response to Alice depleting her key pool, such as by increasing the size of her pool.

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates an example of a process for performing an asynchronous key cache update. In some embodiments process <b>1400</b> is performed by device <b>106</b>. Process <b>1400</b> begins when device <b>106</b> connects to platform <b>102</b>. The connection can be periodic (e.g., app <b>116</b> can be configured to connect to platform <b>102</b> once a day, once an hour, etc.) and can also be in response to triggering events (e.g., Alice's phone was powered off and has just been powered on, has just connected to a cellular or other network, etc.).

0089At <b>1404</b>, the device receives the current server key cache count (i.e., the number of keys presently in the platform's pool for the user). At <b>1406</b>, the device generates an appropriate number of keypairs (and reference values) and stores/transmits them in accordance with the techniques described above. Further, in the event the server key cache count is zero (i.e., the reserve key is being used by platform <b>102</b> due to key pool depletion), one of the newly generated keys will be designated by the server as a replacement reserve key and the old reserve key will be destroyed.

0090G. Secure Time-to-Live (TTL)

0091As mentioned above, one example of a message control a sender can specify for a message is a limit on the time period (also referred to herein as a “time-to-live” or “TTL”) during which a recipient is able to access the message (e.g., to view, listen to, or otherwise interact with the message and any attachments). In scenarios such as where the sender is using an embodiment of platform <b>102</b> operated by an enterprise on behalf of its employees, the TTL may be selected by an entity other than the sender (e.g., based on a default corporate policy, or based on administrator configurable rules implemented by an enterprise-specific version of the secure messaging application). For example, messages sent by employees to one another can have a first default TTL, and messages sent by employees to vendors (also using the enterprise-specific application) can have a second default TTL. As another example, messages sent by certain employees (e.g., within a particular department such as the legal department, or having certain titles or positions) can be given different default TTLs. In various embodiments, the default TTL can be overridden, if permitted by an administrator configuration.

0092The TTL is encrypted and sent together with the secure message. When the recipient opens the message (e.g., taps or clicks on the message in an app), the message is decrypted and displayed on the recipient's device. The corresponding TTL is decrypted, and in some embodiments converted into a message expiry time by adding the TTL (e.g., expressed in seconds) to the current time. In various embodiments, the TTL is stored in the recipient's device's secure database and encrypted to prevent tampering with the secure TTL by the device's user. As will be described in more detail below, the current time can also be secured (e.g., against attempts by the recipient to thwart the TTL by adjusting a clock on the recipient's device). Once the TTL has expired, the message is no longer accessible to the recipient (e.g., is removed from the recipient's viewing interface and deleted from the recipient's device's secure database, along with any associated decryption keys).

0093The sender (or sender's application, as applicable, e.g., where configured by an enterprise administrator) can specify time limits in a variety of ways. As one example, the sender can set a maximum duration (e.g., a one day limit), with the time limit countdown commencing when the recipient first opens the message. The time limit countdown can also be commenced when the sender sends the message. As another example, the sender can specify a fixed start time (e.g., for embargo purposes) before which the recipient is unable to access the message, even if the recipient is already in possession of the message. Once the embargo period ends, as with above, a TTL value can control how long the recipient is able to view the message once opened. This allows, for example, a company to release company news to multiple shareholders in a secure, time-controlled manner, with each shareholder having the same opportunity to open the message at the same start time. This also allows an enterprise to implement rules (e.g., via an enterprise-specific version of the secure messaging application/platform <b>102</b>) that only allow employees to open messages during certain periods of the day. (E.g., hourly workers can only read messages during business hours; salaried workers have no such prohibition.) As yet another example, the sender can specify a fixed end time after which the recipient is unable to access the message (irrespective of whether the message was also given an “upon opening” TTL, e.g., of ten minutes). Further, in various embodiments, a sender of the message can shorten a limit on an already sent message. For example, if Bob sends Alice a message with a one day limit, and Alice opens that message, Bob can subsequently revoke Alice's ability to continue to read the message (even though the day has not passed) by interacting with his app (e.g., by long pressing on the sent message as it appears to Bob and selecting an “expire now” (immediately expiring the message) or “expire faster” (expiring the message at a new time picked by Bob) option, as applicable).

0094<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a message composition interface. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> depicts interface <b>1500</b> as rendered on Bob's phone <b>112</b>. In the following example, Bob is composing a message to Alice. In region <b>1502</b>, Bob has indicated that he would like to send a message to Alice. In region <b>1504</b>, Bob has provided a message for Alice. Specifically, Bob has provided Alice with information about how to enter a locked gate. By interacting with region <b>1506</b>, Bob can select an amount of time for which, once Alice opens Bob's message, Alice will be able to view the message. As shown in region <b>1508</b>, Bob has decided to allow Alice to read the message for six seconds once she opens it. When Bob sends the message (by selecting button <b>1512</b>), a time value of six seconds (an example of a TTL) will be included as a message control (e.g., an example of message control <b>504</b>).

0095<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a message viewing interface. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> depicts interface <b>1600</b> as rendered on Alice's tablet <b>106</b>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, Alice has just opened the message Bob was composing in interface <b>1500</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. As indicated in region <b>1602</b>, Bob sent the message to Alice at 11:41 am. As indicated in region <b>1604</b>, Alice's device has a time of 11:45 am. As indicated in region <b>1606</b>, Alice has six seconds to read message <b>1608</b>. After the six seconds have elapsed, message <b>1608</b> will be removed from interface <b>1600</b> (and deleted from Alice's device). Also shown in interface <b>1600</b> is a message from Bob that Alice has not yet opened (<b>1610</b>). Bob sent message <b>1610</b> at 11:42 am, and message <b>1610</b> includes one attachment, as indicated in region <b>1612</b>. Since Alice has not yet opened message <b>1610</b>, the TTL for message <b>1610</b> has not yet been applied to the message. Alice can open message <b>1610</b> by clicking on it with her finger. In the event Alice has multiple devices, in some embodiments a received but unopened message (e.g., message <b>1610</b>) will appear on all of Alice's devices rendered in the manner shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. In some embodiments, once Alice opens the message on one of the devices, she will be unable to open the message on any of her other devices (i.e., any additional copies of message <b>1610</b> will be removed, unopened, from Alice's other devices). In other embodiments, Alice's messages are synchronized across all of her devices, and Alice is allowed to read any of her messages which have not yet expired on any of those devices. In this scenario, the remaining TTL for a given message can be calculated using the time the message is initially opened on a first device/file, and the remaining TTLs reported by all devices on which the message has been opened. For example, suppose Bob sends a message to Alice and sets the TTL to ten minutes. If Alice has three different devices associated with her account (e.g., an iPhone, an Android tablet, and a desktop computer), she is allowed to open the message on any (or all) of her devices as long as the TTL that Bob established (ten minutes in this example) is not exceeded, collectively, across Alice's devices. Suppose Alice opens the message first on her iPhone (e.g., at 11 am) and views it for three minutes. The TTL for the message at that moment is 10−3=7 minutes. If, after two more minutes (e.g., at 11:05 am) Alice opens the same message on her desktop computer, the TTL is now 7−2=5 min. After five more minutes have elapsed (e.g., it is now 11:10 am), if she tries to open the message again on her iPhone, or on her Android tablet, the TTL will be zero, and the message will be deleted from all of Alice's devices. One way of synchronizing the TTL in a multi-device scenario (also referred to herein as the “global TTL” for the message) is for each app to report the remaining TTL for a particular message ID each time the message is opened on that device. The global TTL for that message ID can be synchronized between all of Alice's devices via a variety of mechanisms. For example, Alice's devices could be configured to update one another on the remaining TTL. As another example, platform <b>102</b> can receive updates (i.e., reported openings/TTLs) from each of Alice's devices and share that information with other of Alice's devices with the remaining TTL.

0096<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a message viewing interface. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> depicts interface <b>1700</b> as rendered on Alice's tablet <b>106</b>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, Alice (at 1:26 pm) has just opened the message that Bob sent her at 11:42 am (i.e., Alice has just opened message <b>1610</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>). Message <b>1608</b> is no longer available to Alice as its TTL has expired. In region <b>1702</b>, Alice is viewing text authored by Bob. Alice can review an attachment that Bob sent by clicking on region <b>1704</b>. Region <b>1706</b> includes a countdown timer that indicates to Alice that she has approximately one hour (59 minutes and 29 seconds) remaining to read Bob's message and view the attachment. When the timer reaches zero, Alice will be unable to view the message or attachment further.

0097<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to allow access to a message. In various embodiments, process <b>1800</b> is performed on a client device, such as Alice's client device <b>106</b>. The process begins at <b>1802</b> when a message is received. The message has an associated TTL value (or, as explained in more detail below, in some embodiments has a set of associated time-related values). As one example, Bob's message <b>1610</b> is received by Alice's device <b>106</b> at <b>1802</b>. Message <b>1610</b> has an associated TTL of one hour (3600 seconds), as selected by Bob during message composition. In some embodiments, the TTL is stored in Alice's device's secure database (i.e., preventing tampering with the value by Alice). Next, a determination is made as to whether the TTL has been exceeded. If the TTL has not been exceeded (<b>1804</b>), the message is made available to the recipient (<b>1806</b>). As one example, when Alice initially opens message <b>1610</b>, the associated TTL (3600 seconds) is decrypted and read by app <b>116</b>. App <b>116</b> begins counting down (using the TTL). So long as the TTL has not been exceeded (e.g., 3601 seconds have elapsed since Alice opened the message), Alice can continue to view the message via app <b>116</b>. Once the TTL has been exceeded, the message will be removed from her device (e.g., no longer shown on her device's screen and deleted from her device's secure database).

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to allow access to a message. Process <b>1900</b> is an embodiment of process <b>1800</b> and is in some embodiments performed on a client device such as Alice's client device <b>106</b>. The process begins at <b>1902</b> when (as with <b>1802</b>) a message that has an associated TTL value is received. At <b>1904</b>, a message open request (e.g., Alice clicking on the lock icon shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) is received and in response a Current Time is determined. One approach for determining a Current Time is to use the device time. However, a nefarious device user could attempt to circumvent TTL enforcement by modifying the device date, time, and/or time zone settings. A second approach for determining a Current Time is for the recipient's secure messaging app (e.g., app <b>116</b> in the case of Alice) to contact platform <b>102</b> (or another external time source, such as a dedicated time server) and obtain a Current Time from platform <b>102</b> (or the other external time source). In some embodiments, if app <b>116</b> is unable to obtain a Current Time (e.g., device <b>106</b> is in airplane mode or otherwise offline; or if platform <b>102</b> or the other external time source(s) are unreachable), Alice will be unable to open the message (until such time as app <b>116</b> is able to obtain a Current Time).

0099At <b>1906</b>, the message expiration time (“Expire Time”) is set as the Current Time (determined at <b>1904</b>) with the TTL (e.g., 3600 seconds) added. Thus for example, when Alice opens message <b>1610</b> (e.g., at 1:26 pm), a Current Time is obtained from platform <b>102</b> (or another appropriate external time source), and a TTL of 3600 is added to the Current Time, resulting in an Expire Time of 2:26 pm.

0100At <b>1908</b>, a determination is made as to whether the Current Time is greater than the Expire Time. If not (<b>1910</b>), Alice is able to view the message (<b>1912</b>), and after a period of time (e.g., one second elapsing), another check of the Current Time vs. the Expire Time is performed (<b>1908</b>). In various embodiments, the Current Time continues to be obtained from an external source (e.g., device <b>106</b> contacts platform <b>102</b> every second). In other embodiments, app <b>116</b> is responsible for maintaining the Current Time, at least a portion of the time, after performing an initial check with platform <b>102</b> of the Current Time upon message open. In some embodiments, if a Current Time cannot be obtained from an external source (e.g., platform <b>102</b> or another server) during the ongoing checking of portion <b>1908</b>, the message will cease being available to Alice. So, for example, if Alice temporarily loses connectivity during the one hour window of time Bob has allowed her to read message <b>1610</b>, Alice will be unable to read message <b>1610</b> during that portion of the hour. In some embodiments, the TTL countdown continues, irrespective of whether Alice is offline, meaning that Alice will not be given additional time to view the message to compensate for the period her device lacked connectivity. Eventually (e.g., after one hour has elapsed), the Current Time will exceed the Expire Time (<b>1914</b>), at which point the message is deleted (<b>1916</b>).

0101<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to allow access to a message. Process <b>2000</b> is an embodiment of process <b>1800</b> and is in some embodiments performed on a client device such as Alice's client device <b>106</b>. The process begins at <b>2002</b> when a message that has multiple TTL-related values is received. As one example, a start time (i.e., embargo time) is provided, as is a duration (e.g., 3600 seconds, as per above). Process <b>2000</b> can also be adapted to accommodate a hard end time (instead of, or in addition to a start time), as applicable. At <b>2004</b>, a determination is made (e.g., by contacting platform <b>102</b>) whether the Current Time exceeds the Start Time. If not (<b>2006</b>), any requests by Alice to open the message will be ignored, as the end of the embargo has not yet been reached. And, additional checks of the Current Time vs. the Start Time will continue until the embargo ends (<b>2008</b>). The remainder of process <b>2000</b> continues as per process <b>1900</b>. E.g., a message open request is received, and a Current Time determined (<b>1904</b>, <b>2010</b>); the Expire Time is set as the Current Time and TTL (<b>1906</b>, <b>2012</b>); and the Current Time is checked against the Expire Time (<b>1908</b>, <b>2014</b>) to determine whether to continue to allow access to the message (<b>1912</b>, <b>2018</b>) or delete the message (<b>1916</b>, <b>2022</b>).

0102Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive.